Tessa Munt, the Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Burnham-On-Sea, spent a day serving lunches in a local school last week to see for herself how meals have changed since she was a pupil.
She said: “I’ve visited several local schools where many students, teaching and support staff enjoy lots of choice, with plenty of freshly-cooked food served in light, bright and cheerful café style surroundings.”
“When I was at school things were rather different – repetitive menus, no choice and never a salad in sight! Our food was often stodgy, the veg overcooked and the dingy hall made mealtimes rather grim.”
“Many children choose to use the schools’ café for breakfast, elevenses and at lunchtimes. In the school where I’m a governor, school meals cost £2.00 for a main course and pudding, but the school has been subsidising each meal by 40p, because they want to encourage the children to eat a good meal during the day – it helps their energy levels and they can then work and play easily and for longer,” added Tessa.
“At a time when the credit crunch is hitting families hard, free school meals for children can be a worthwhile and essential saving against the weekly budget. It’s surprising how many children are allowed free meals but their parents don’t take up the entitlement – the children don’t know who gets free meals, so there’s no chance of being singled out as ‘different’ from their peers. A quick phone call to the school bursar or finance office over the summer might help ease the family finances and make ends meet.”
Tessa added: “It’s great to see how a really keen, enthusiastic and experienced team in the kitchen produces such good results. And the proof of the pudding? The cooks all sit down after the children finish – and eat a school meal themselves!”
In the photo are Tessa with the school team, Mandy, Carol, Donna, Ashley, Jo and Ellen serving school lunches to the children
